Second Amazon Presidential Scholarship Awardees Selected

AURORA, Colo. – The Community College of Aurora (CCA) has named a second class of Amazon Presidential Scholars – eleven students who are studying Cybersecurity, Psychology, Nursing, Mechanical Engineering, Business and Social Work, and range in age from 19 to 53. 

What began as a vision conceptualized by CCA President Dr. Mordecai Ian Brownlee, has grown into a strategic initiative that attracts and retains a new generation of scholars to CCA’s campuses. Made possible by the financial support and contribution of an Amazon gift of $70,000, the scholarship creates opportunities for students beyond the classroom, preparing them for careers in their area of study.

The investment in the Presidential Scholars Program is part of Amazon’s broader Upskilling pledge. Amazon’s Upskilling commitment, which includes greater access to education and skills training across the country and Colorado, is one that Brittany Morris Saunders, Amazon’s former Head of Community Affairs for the Denver Region, says, “will create high wage and high earning opportunities for individuals around the world. We are appreciative of the support of Amazon and proud of the scholarship awardees as they work to develop their business and leadership skills.”

New scholarship recipients:

• Natalia Duran: Psychology major from Aurora passionate about Hispanic representation in the mental health space.

• Toni Graham: Detroit native finishing her degree in Psychology.

• Rinda Wangkeeree: Rinda moved to Aurora from Thailand just two years ago and is starting the Integrated Nursing Program partnership with CU this year. She is the cohort’s full-time Amazon employee, for which the scholarship provides one spot each year.

• James Cordova: Business and Computer Science major motivated to finish his degrees to make a better life for his ten-year-old daughter.

• Anastasia Smith: Originally from Houston hoping to transfer to CU Boulder to study Biology and pursue a PhD exploring animal intelligence.

• Daphne Perez:  Mechanical Engineering major hoping to transfer to a four-year university and use her degree to tackle real-world problems.

• Ashlynn Hare: Biology major working towards a future of financial security.

• Sara Alfahoum: Aspiring nurse motivated to make her family proud as a strong, hardworking Arab woman.

• Tyjon Linzy:  Cyber Security major striving to contribute to this critical industry and gain personal financial stability.

• Darius Kenrick: Mental Health/Social Work major pursuing creative endeavors in the Cinematic Arts.

• Akelia Reddie: Biology major from Jamaica passionate about environmental conservation and sustainability.

Saunders notes that the awardees are parents, advocates, and refugees, and “just all-around amazing students.” Eleven students are selected (including one Amazon Career Choice Employee) a $3,000 scholarship for the 2024-25 school year. Additionally, Presidential Scholars will be given exclusive access to leadership programming and experiential learning opportunities throughout the school year including:

•  Behind the scenes tours of PepsiCo and Civitas

• Fireside chats with Amazon C-level executives

• Networking and interview skills workshops with the CCA Foundation Board

•  Professional Mentor matched to their major/pathway

•  Presidential Scholar medal and recognition at CCA graduation

 Learn more about the Amazon Presidential Scholarship  HERE.